Its hypocrisy for UPND to demonise PF - Mtayachalo

IT is hypocrisy of the worst kind for United Party for National Development (UPND) to continue demonizing and vilifying the Patriotic Front (PF) as a corrupt and violent political formation when at the same time, it has invited the former ruling party to its rank and file by forming an alliance with it, Yotam Mtayachalo has said.

Mr Mtayachalo, the former Chama North Member of Parliament has accused the UPND of playing double standards by attacking former leaders of the PF, yet the ruling party had formed an alliance with members of the former ruling party.

Mr Mtayachalo, who is recontesting Chama North constituency under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP), said he was disappointed by what he described as continued criticism by UPND leaders directed at the former PF leadership.

“I have noted with dismay and disappointment the incessant attacks directed at the former leadership of the Patriotic Front by the ruling UPND when, in fact, the ruling party has formed an alliance with the PF. This conduct is immoral and demonstrates a lack of principles,” Mr Mtayachalo said.

He argued that it was contradictory for the ruling party to accuse the PF of economic mismanagement and poor governance while simultaneously working with individuals who held senior positions in the previous administration.

Mr Mtayachalo defended Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, saying both leaders should not be unfairly blamed for decisions made during the PF administration.

He questioned why some former PF officials, who were now members of the UPND had seemingly been absolved of wrongdoing while those aligned with the opposition continue to face criticism.

He maintained that Zambians were politically aware and capable of seeing through what he called “cheap politics” aimed at weakening the growing popularity of the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance.

“While government initiatives such as free education and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) had been beneficial, they were not enough to guarantee the ruling party re-election.

He accused the government of failing to address key challenges affecting citizens, including the rising cost of living, unemployment among young people, selective application of the law, poor working conditions, and what he described as increasing undemocratic tendencies.

 “The alliance is offering itself to serve the nation and tackle the outstanding challenges facing citizens. More importantly, we promise to create a free and just society where all Zambians, regardless of tribe or region, will enjoy equal opportunities while rekindling the spirit of One Zambia, One Nation,” Mr Mtayachalo said.